Upgrading

This guide explains when a JEM site needs an upgrade instead of a normal update. Use it when the site is moving between major Joomla versions and must also move to a matching JEM major version.

If your Joomla major version does not change, you probably need an update, not an upgrade. For example, JEM 4.4.2 to JEM 4.5.0 on Joomla 5 is covered by the Updating documentation.
Important: always make a full backup of your Joomla files and database before an upgrade. Test the whole process on a staging copy before changing a production site.

Updating or Upgrading?

In this documentation, the terms are used with different meanings:

  • Updating: installing a newer JEM release within the same compatible Joomla line.
  • Upgrading: moving the site to a new major Joomla version and installing the matching JEM major version.

Use the Updating guide for normal package updates. Use this page when Joomla itself is also being migrated to a newer major version.

Supported Upgrade Paths

Choose the path that matches your current site:

  • Joomla 3 with JEM 2.3.x to Joomla 4 or Joomla 5 with JEM 4.
  • Joomla 5 with JEM 4.5.0 to Joomla 6 with JEM 5.0.0.
Do not skip the intermediate compatible JEM version. Before moving from Joomla 5 to Joomla 6, update JEM to 4.5.0 on Joomla 5 first, then upgrade Joomla, and only after Joomla 6 is working install JEM 5.0.0.

Before You Start

  • Make a full backup of the files and database.
  • Check the PHP version required by the target Joomla and JEM versions.
  • Check that the active Joomla template supports the target Joomla version.
  • Check all non-JEM extensions for compatibility with the target Joomla version.
  • Review template overrides for JEM component views and modules.
  • Prepare a staging copy and test the upgrade there first.

Upgrade from Joomla 3 / JEM 2.3.x to Joomla 4 or Joomla 5 / JEM 4

This path is for older sites still running Joomla 3 with JEM 2.3.x. The goal is to prepare the site while it is still on Joomla 3, then migrate Joomla, and finally install the JEM 4 package.

  1. Update Joomla 3 to the latest Joomla 3.10.x release.
  2. Update JEM to the latest JEM 2.3.x pre-migration release.
  3. Make a full backup after confirming the Joomla 3 site works correctly.
  4. Disable the JEM component, modules, and plugins before the Joomla major upgrade.
  5. Do not uninstall JEM, because uninstalling removes JEM data.
  6. Upgrade Joomla from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 or Joomla 5 following the Joomla migration instructions.
  7. Resolve Joomla extension compatibility warnings before continuing.
  8. Install the full JEM 4 package for the target Joomla version.
  9. Enable the required JEM component, modules, and plugins again.
  10. Review JEM settings, menu items, modules, plugins, and template overrides.
Do not uninstall the old JEM extension as part of this migration unless you intentionally want to remove its data. Disable it before the Joomla upgrade, then install the matching JEM package after Joomla has been upgraded.

Checks after installing JEM 4

  • Open the JEM dashboard in the administrator.
  • Open JEM Settings and save the configuration if needed.
  • Check event lists, event detail pages, venue pages, category pages, and calendar views.
  • Check JEM modules and plugins used by the site.
  • Check registrations, attendee lists, and mail notifications if used.
  • Check frontend event and venue submission if frontend users can create content.

Upgrade from Joomla 5 / JEM 4.5.0 to Joomla 6 / JEM 5.0.0

This path is for sites already running Joomla 5. First make sure JEM is updated to 4.5.0 on Joomla 5. Then migrate Joomla to Joomla 6, and only after that install the JEM 5.0.0 package.

  1. Update JEM to 4.5.0 while the site is still running Joomla 5.
  2. Confirm that JEM 4.5.0 works correctly on Joomla 5.
  3. Make a new backup after the successful JEM 4.5.0 update.
  4. Check that the server runs the PHP version required by Joomla 6 and JEM 5.0.0.
  5. Check template and extension compatibility with Joomla 6.
  6. Migrate Joomla 5 to Joomla 6 following the Joomla update instructions.
  7. Confirm that the Joomla 6 administrator and frontend work correctly.
  8. Install the full JEM 5.0.0 package for Joomla 6.
  9. Review JEM settings, modules, plugins, menu items, and overrides.
The detailed package update steps for JEM 4.4.2 to 4.5.0 and JEM 4.5.0 to 5.0.0 are covered in the Updating documentation.

Checks after installing JEM 5.0.0

  • Open the JEM dashboard and review the settings.
  • Check frontend event, venue, calendar, and category views.
  • Check frontend event and venue edit forms.
  • Check registrations, waiting lists, and notification emails if used.
  • Check online meeting fields and ICS export if the site uses online or hybrid events.
  • Check all JEM modules and plugins that are published on the site.

Template Overrides

Template overrides are one of the most common causes of display problems after a major upgrade. Review old overrides before assuming that a frontend problem is caused by JEM itself.

  • Check component overrides under templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/html/com_jem.
  • Check module overrides under templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/html/mod_jem*.
  • Temporarily disable overrides if a JEM page looks broken after the upgrade.
  • Compare old override files with the new layout files from the installed JEM version.
  • Reapply only the custom changes that are still needed.

Final Checklist

  • The site was upgraded first on a staging copy.
  • A full backup was made before each major step.
  • The target Joomla version works before installing the new JEM major version.
  • The matching full JEM package was installed for the target Joomla version.
  • JEM dashboard, settings, frontend views, modules, and plugins were tested.
  • Template overrides were reviewed and updated where needed.
  • The production backup is kept until the upgraded site is confirmed stable.